Residents, Motorists Adjusting As 50-Day Partial Closure Of Route 885 Begins

HAYS (KDKA) - A scheduled closure of a portion of Route 885 in Hays began Monday morning.

The 50-day closure between Doerrville Street and Lebanon Road is to allow for culvert replacement and road re-construction.

Residents who live along the affected portion of Route 885 said while the construction is an inconvenience, it's also "a welcomed break from all the traffic."

"It's nice that we can drive through, but the construction is going to be a pain," said Ashley Thomson.

The biggest concern for Thomson is the noise she fears could wake her baby.

"I have a 9-month-old, so with the noise it's going to be an inconvenience," she said.

"The noise hasn't been bad yet," said Shawn Laquatra, "but I'm sure it's going to get there."

PennDOT said crews are working to replace the old culverts that handle the stream beneath the street. They will also re-construct part of the road, which entails digging, plowing, paving and re-surfacing.

The closure began at 7 a.m. and should re-open in mid-August.

"It's kinda nice that there [isn't going to be any] traffic," said Laquatra, "but at the same time, it stops me from going to Sandcastle and such."

While the road is closed to traffic, it is now open to a remote-controlled truck

"I got all the space I need," added Laquatra, as he maneuvered his toy truck on Route 885.

While construction crews are working, at least one resident will enjoy playing.

PennDOT has posted signs noting the detours.  \

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